The Beautiful Game

The only thing that has never changed in the history of the game is the shape of the ball. — Denis Law

Did you know that the Olympic committee allowed soccer as a competitive sport for the first time during the London Games of 1908? The countries of England, France, Denmark, Holland, and Sweden competed with England beating Denmark 2-0 in the final.

Did you know that the 1994 World Cup Final was the first World Cup final to go to penalty shots? It was Brazil vs Italy and Roberto Baggio of Italy needed to score, but unfortunately kicked the ball high over the net. Brazil won their fourth World Cup.

Two brothers, Benito and Giuseppe Panini, founded Panini in 1961, a company which produces books, comics, magazines, stickers and more. One of their most popular products are the World Cup Sticker Albums, which started with the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. This year’s 2010 South Africa World Cup Sticker Album will have over 70 pages with over 600 images, including images of individual players, teams, badges, and stadiums. Sideline Soccer has one to give away thanks to We Got Soccer! Continue reading »

Did you know that Diego Maradona of Argentina infamously scored with his hand? In the 1986 quarter final against England, Maradona jumped in the air along with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. Neither the linesmen nor the referee noticed! Maradona referred to it as the “hand of God”.

Did you know that the first penalty shot in a World Cup Final was in 1974? The famous Cruyff of Holland was fouled in the box by Hoeness of West Germany. In the end however, West Germany won 2-1.

Did you know that Uruguay are the only World Cup winners in history not to defend their title? Winners and hosts of the 1930 World Cup, they were upset that so few European countries attended the tournament. So they refused to attend the 1934 World Cup held in Italy.